Bench Slingshot

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I didn't realize this type of product was big yet. I saw it at the Arnold but hadn't seen it prior.

I saw a video made by the creator of the slingshot - a 'how to' kinda thing - perhaps a year ago now. It would have been a link found on this, or another BBing site.

It's known by the guys in PLing circles, but I wouldn't say it's known well at all by the general lifting community... not here in Aus.

[BendtheBar]

If it allows me to bench at 275+ every week I will be one freaking happy guy.

[gaspers04]

Hmmm, striking my curiosity. Is it similar to board pressing and is it an actually useful tool or a gimmick?

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by gaspers04

Hmmm, striking my curiosity. Is it similar to board pressing and is it an actually useful tool or a gimmick?

It's like half a shirt; arm pieces attached on either side of a thick elastic band which stretches taut across your chest as you lower the bar, thereby providing resistance.

[jslep]

i know two guys in my gym that have these and about 5 others that borrow from those two. seems to really hold you to form so preventing injury is a major plus with it. never really seen one of these guys add any #'s to their totals with it just maybe a few more reps in a burnout set so anyone lookin to inflate your bench total like with a shirt i would say this buy is not for you.

[Aurik]

My understanding is that it is a tool -- it lets you get used to locking out heavier weights than you could otherwise, helps protect your shoulders, and helps reinforce the groove.

I wouldn't expect it to be a miracle "increase your bench by 100lbs in a month" gadget, but I can certainly see how either the Slingshot or the Ram could be effectively incorporated into a program.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by gaspers04

Hmmm, striking my curiosity. Is it similar to board pressing and is it an actually useful tool or a gimmick?

It's not a gimmick. I don't know if it helps strength much but all reviews state that it really helps the shoulders, which I need right now. I can't train over 70% very frequently anymore without picking up minor shoulder strains.

Originally Posted by jslep

i know two guys in my gym that have these and about 5 others that borrow from those two. seems to really hold you to form so preventing injury is a major plus with it.

Perfect. Thanks for the info hombre.

Originally Posted by Aurik

My understanding is that it is a tool -- it lets you get used to locking out heavier weights than you could otherwise, helps protect your shoulders, and helps reinforce the groove.

I wouldn't expect it to be a miracle "increase your bench by 100lbs in a month" gadget, but I can certainly see how either the Slingshot or the Ram could be effectively incorporated into a program.

Ryano stated to me that benching in a shirt really helps his shoulders. I honestly wasn't aware of that before this week. So it got me thinking...

I think for anyone that trains alone and can't train/get in a shirt this might be a great second choice sot save some shoulder wear and tear.

[JesseA]

I have been using one for the last couple of months.

The first few times using the slingshot was hard to touch my chest, I had to pull the bar down to get it to touch. It really helps take the stress off my shoulders and elbows. The slingshot helps keep my elbows tucked as well.

As far as increases go, my best raw bench is 315, I was able to work up to 365 with the slingshot on the second use.

Reverse band bench with slingshot went from 365 raw to 425 w/ SS.

Quality wise, it does appear to be well made and using quality material.

[J_Byrd]

Ryano was right, using a loose shirt can really save the shoulders. Anytime I am having some issues, I throw on a regular katana that is about 3sizes to big and do a few sets.

Ram works great for my training partner. He has the double ram (the stronger one). It has been great to him. I am sure the slingshot works in a similar manner. I just dont like how the slingshot goes on the elbow. I think both claim to add about 10-185% over your raw max. Should allow you to train with a little heavier weight weekly.

[CoopDawg]

would this work for basically a beginner with a sort of bad right shoulder, from a baseball injury